At the upcoming London Fashion Week, which begins on 12th September, designer Prakhar Rao, founder of Zero Tolerance, will showcase his work on 13th September. He will present as part of the Indian collective Medusa X Fashion Week and the City Runway. He will display 11 unisex outfits from his collection KARM.
In a Q&A with Times Now Digital, he spoke about his collection and more.
Q: What inspired the concept behind your unisex collection, and how do you feel it aligns with the broader theme of Medusa X Fashion Week and the City? What is the theme about?
The idea is to make pieces that are inclusive, irrespective of any parameter, including gender. If you can pull that piece off, it should be yours, and that’s what inspired me to create unisex pieces.
I think Medusa has showcased the best line-up of designers in the past, irrespective of gender, and I am delighted to be part of the collective this season. Finding the right people who trust your vision is crucial, and that’s what Medusa has been for me—it's about showcasing high-quality pieces that anyone can wear. For me, it felt like the right fit.
Our collection is inspired by breaking boundaries, much like Medusa herself. The Medusa X Fashion Week theme focuses on transformation and power, which aligns with our unisex approach. We aim to reflect the city’s dynamic energy by embracing fluidity and inclusivity in fashion.
Q:Can you walk us through the 11 looks you're showcasing? What message or narrative do you hope to convey with each piece?
All the pieces are made by artisans based in the Lucknow region, including Barabanki, the outskirts of Lucknow, where our fabric is woven and hand-spun by weavers. Each piece features authentic details like Aari and Zardozi—I am showcasing Lucknow’s heritage in a contemporary context. This is something I’ve wanted to do from the start; it’s a very special connection because it comes from the heart—made entirely in Lucknow by artisans whose families have practiced these techniques for generations. The looks are edgy and authentic. Through this collection, I want to put the artisans and their karm in the spotlight. From my journey so far, I’ve realised there is high-quality craftsmanship in India. Mixed with all the influences I’ve had—from movies to games, from how people dressed in old photos to the music I listen to—it has all influenced this collection.
Each of the 11 looks represents empowerment and self-expression, blending strength with vulnerability. India is often seen as having a vast population and cheap labour, and is considered a manufacturing hub. But we go far beyond that. I’m fascinated by the sense of style and storytelling, and I’ve combined them to create memorable looks, allowing everyone to feel confident and powerful, regardless of gender. I enjoy presenting my cultural heritage in a contemporary context—that’s why I’m here to represent and have fun!
Q:How do you see unisex fashion evolving in the future, and what role do you think it plays in challenging traditional fashion norms?
Unisex fashion is becoming mainstream, challenging the idea that clothing needs to be gender-specific. I see it leading the way in promoting inclusivity and offering versatile, boundaryless options for everyone.
Q: What challenges did you face while designing this collection, particularly in balancing aesthetics with the unisex theme?
The main challenge was ensuring each piece appealed to all genders without sacrificing style. We focused on fit, fabric, and design to create universally flattering pieces while minimising industrial waste and preserving traditional craftsmanship, all while pushing our creative pursuit in unisex fashion.